Abraham Geiger College: http://www.abraham-geiger-kolleg.de/
Zacharias Frankel College: http://zacharias-frankel-college.de/
Courses are held in English (100%). Some courses are additionally held in German, Hebrew or French.
15 August for the following winter semester
15 February for the following summer semester
In establishing the discipline of Jewish Theology, which includes a Master's degree programme at the University of Potsdam, the long-standing demand for equality with Christian and Islamic theologies has been fulfilled. It forms the basis for a vital engagement with Jewish religious history and philosophy, as well as provides scope to develop religious practice.
The subject of the Jewish Theology Master's degree programme is the in-depth study of the Jewish religion. The degree programme enables you to understand complex theological, philosophical, and ethical ideas in the context of the Jewish tradition and current academic and societal debates.
Through the academic programme, you will acquire excellent knowledge of the history of ancient and medieval Jewish religion and philosophy as well as of the wide-ranging transformation processes since the mid-16th century. The programme places particular emphasis on deepening one's knowledge of Rabbinic Judaism in Antiquity and the early Middle Ages, periods which have been formative for Judaism in a number of ways up to the present. The analysis, interpretation, and religious history contextualisation of the traditional literature and of the Talmudic Era (Mishnah, Talmud, and Midrashim) as well as the later literature of the Rishonim and Acharonim in its original languages are thus at the core of the programme. Other focal areas are the Jewish Enlightenment and the Reform Movement, Eastern European Hasidism, and religious philosophy as well as the theological and ethical concepts of the 19th and 20th centuries. The Jewish Theology programme is based on the current state of research and conveys the necessary specialist knowledge and methodological skills to the students, which will enable them to independently analyse the texts relevant for Jewish religious history.
Practical theology is also part of the programme. Knowledge and understanding of the orders of service is expanded and specific liturgical features of celebrations, fast days, and days of remembrance are addressed. In this way, students will gain authentic insights into Judaism today in all its diversity.
For students with a Jewish religious affiliation, the subject can also be chosen with focus areas of liberal or conservative (Masorti) rabbinates. The academic programme with one of these focus areas is associated with admission to the Abraham Geiger College or the Zacharias Frankel College in Potsdam. This can lead to a career as a rabbi.
The Master's programme qualifies you for employment in, for example, archives and museums with Jewish collections, memorials, Jewish and non-Jewish educational and cultural institutions, or institutions that endeavour to maintain the Jewish legacy in Germany and abroad. In addition, employment in the library sector and in the media and publications sectors is possible.
In total, the programme comprises 120 credit points.
You will be provided with the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained during your studies through an internship module. You will be offered a choice of different internship options, e.g. interning at a Jewish community or cultural institution, designing a tutorial for the Bachelor's programme, or taking part in an academic project.
No tuition is charged for studying at the University of Potsdam (with the exception of a few continuing education courses). There is only an administrative fee of currently 316 EUR. This semester contribution includes a semester ticket entitling you to free use of public transport all over Brandenburg and Berlin.
Living in Germany is rather cheap compared to other countries in Northern and Western Europe. Monthly living expenditures of students at the University of Potsdam vary between 870 and 1,200 EUR, largely depending on accommodation. A more detailed list of the average monthly expenditures of our students can be found here.
English language proficiency corresponding to at least level B2 as outlined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
15 August for the following winter semester
15 February for the following summer semester
Universität Potsdam
c/o uni-assist e.V.
11507 Berlin
Germany
Please also inform the contact person (Susann Schober) about your application.
Job opportunities for students alongside their studies are numerous. Depending on personal and professional skills, students can find jobs in the service sector (e.g. in restaurants, supermarkets, cinemas, museums, theatres, etc.) or work as student assistants at the University of Potsdam or at one of the many non-university research institutions located in the area. The German capital, Berlin, is located just around the corner, and students can also find jobs there. Please see this website for further information.
There are several student dormitories in Potsdam. These are administered exclusively by Potsdam's Association for Student Affairs ("Studentenwerk Potsdam"). You can apply for a room in one of these dormitories if you are under the age of 30. If you are a Master's student, you can only apply if the degree at the University of Potsdam is your first Master's programme. Additionally, there are also a few private dormitories in Potsdam, to which these conditions do not apply. However, many students prefer to find an apartment in Potsdam or Berlin, which they often share with fellow students. The housing market is tight, so please start looking for an accommodation as early as possible.
For information on how to register for a dorm room or find accommodation elsewhere, please click this link.
The Career Service of the University of Potsdam supports students and graduates who want to actively shape their careers. The aim is to ensure comprehensive career orientation and to provide opportunities for the development of professional skills. The Career Service offers workshops, seminars, and individual counselling. There are information pages on a wide range of occupational fields as well as a database of internships and jobs. Many of the services are also available in English.
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